The new five-year green visa for residents is proof that the UAE is open for business, a leading employment expert has said.
The new visa, which comes into effect on September 5, offers people the opportunity to stay in the country for longer, compared with the two and three-year limits on standard residency visas.
These changes will attract new talent, with residents able to sponsor themselves, removing the pressure on employers to cover the cost, said Emily Roberts, principal consultant at Dubai recruiter Genie.
The people who will particularly benefit are freelancers or those working on shorter-term projects, she said.
A key benefit of the green visa is the extension for male dependents to be sponsored up to the age of 25, as previously it was restricted to the age of 18
Emily Roberts,
employment expert
“The UAE is seen as a hub of activity for the forward thinker and these green visas being available only shows that the region is evolving with the pace of growth,” said Ms Roberts.
“It shows the rest of the world we are open for business and ready for the best talent to come to the UAE.”
Green visas are available to “skilled workers” who earn more than Dh15,000 ($4,084) a month and possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent-level qualification.
That will allow many teachers, medical workers and middle managers to qualify for longer-term visa status for the first time, depending on their salary.
The government has not yet released the cost of applying and processing a green visa. The one-off cost for a 10-year golden visa is about Dh4,000.
Sponsoring relatives
The visa provides a five-year residency, without the need for an employer or other sponsor, and enables holders to bring first-degree relatives into the country for the duration of their stay.
“A key benefit of the green visa is the advantage for families as there will be the extension for male dependents to be sponsored up to the age of 25 as previously it was restricted to the age of 18,” said Ms Roberts.
“This will enable young male professionals to remain under their family sponsorship, which can be a big plus when trying to get on the career ladder in the UAE.
“I believe we will see a lot of families with the green visa will stay for longer in the UAE as the five-year validity will provide them with security.”
Visa lets you sponsor dependents
The new visas also allow a family to sponsor a female dependent of any age.
Ms Roberts said she believed this would also open up significant opportunities for young female talent in the region.
“This is a huge benefit as a lot of businesses are unable to provide employment visas for a one or two-month internship, as it doesn't commercially make sense for them,” she said.
“With this extension we may see more graduates entering the market sponsored by their parents which is an easier transition into working life.”
The new visas are also available to freelance or self-employed talent.
How to check if you qualify
To qualify they must show they also possess a bachelor’s degree, or a specialised diploma, according to the UAE Government’s website.
They must also hold a self-employment/freelance permit and show earnings no less than Dh360,000 from self-employment over the past two years or provide proof of financial solvency during their stay in the UAE.
“As the world is evolving there are many more categories of employment other than being employed,” said Ms Roberts.
“This [new visa] allows individuals who are defined in other categories to plan ahead.
“A digital nomad, a crypto entrepreneur, or a real estate investor can now think ahead with family in mind or perhaps settle for several years as opposed to thinking just a couple of years in advance.”
Vijay Gandhi, a director with HR and recruitment company Korn Ferry, said the green visa will also attract those looking for more flexible working conditions.
“People will be able to work on specific projects and not have to worry about being able to stay in the country once those projects come to an end,” Mr Gandhi said .
“It will help attract talent in sectors where there has been a shortage in recent times.
“You are likely to see a lot of people from digital sectors applying.”
However, the condition that green visas were only available to people holding a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, could limit the amount of available talent, said another employment expert.
“We’ve seen many instances in this region of companies not hiring someone because they don’t have a degree,” said David Mackenzie, group managing director of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones.
“Just because you have a degree doesn’t necessarily mean you are brighter than someone who does not have one.
“People who don’t have degrees have often had to work harder to reach the levels they have.”
He also said putting a premium on someone’s qualifications was going against the trend in other parts of the world.
“The common themes companies in the western world are looking for are experience and your skill set,” he said.
“The reality is you are going to be a better candidate if you have valuable experience in the industry.”
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
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6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
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8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Leeds United 0
Brighton 1 (Maupay 17')
Man of the match: Ben White (Brighton)
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Launched: 2018
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Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
Results
4pm: Al Bastakiya Listed US$300,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Emblem Storm, Oisin Murphy (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
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5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 $350,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Wildman Jack, Fernando Jara, Doug O’Neill.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 $350,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $400,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Barney Roy, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $600,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Matterhorn, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl
Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: Dh99,000
On sale: now
Biog
Age: 50
Known as the UAE’s strongest man
Favourite dish: “Everything and sea food”
Hobbies: Drawing, basketball and poetry
Favourite car: Any classic car
Favourite superhero: The Hulk original
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Brief scores:
Arsenal 4
Xhaka 25', Lacazette 55', Ramsey 79', Aubameyang 83'
Fulham 1
Kamara 69'
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- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
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- 600-seat auditorium
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Ben White, Pluto Press
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Wins: 28
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Losses: 4
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
CREW
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
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Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
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BMW X7 xDrive 50i
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Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic transmission
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ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
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Bitcoin is the most popular virtual currency in the world. It was created in 2009 as a new way of paying for things that would not be subject to central banks that are capable of devaluing currency. A Bitcoin itself is essentially a line of computer code. It's signed digitally when it goes from one owner to another. There are sustainability concerns around the cryptocurrency, which stem from the process of "mining" that is central to its existence.
The "miners" use computers to make complex calculations that verify transactions in Bitcoin. This uses a tremendous amount of energy via computers and server farms all over the world, which has given rise to concerns about the amount of fossil fuel-dependent electricity used to power the computers.